Remote sensing of remaining battery capacity using on-battery circuitry

ABSTRACT

A method of remote sensing a charge includes charging or discharging a first capacitor of a first RC circuit and a second capacitor of a second RC circuit to a predetermined threshold voltage using a power source. When each of the capacitors reach the predetermined threshold voltage, a response signal is provided from a communications module to a handheld computing device comprising a reader system. An amount of time between the response signals is determined. The amount of time is indicative of charge information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/041,014, filed Sep. 30, 2013, which claims priority to Ser. No. 61/746,265, filed Dec. 27, 2012, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and made part hereof.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for remote sensing of remaining battery capacity using on-battery circuitry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary type of a common battery tester that is placed on batteries is known as a thermochromic-type tester. In a thermochromic battery tester, there can be a circuit that is connected by a consumer manually depressing one or two button switches. Once the switch is depressed, the consumer has connected the battery to the thermochromic tester. The thermochromic tester may include a resistor—flat silver layer that has a variable width so that the electrical resistance also varies along its length. As current travels through the silver resistor, the dissipated power generates heat that changes the color of a thermochromic ink display that is over the silver resistor. The thermochromic ink display is arranged as a gauge to indicate the relative capacity of the battery. However, it is typically necessary to manually hold the battery and/or remove the battery from the device in order to test the battery using thermochromic battery testers. Other battery tester systems are desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a method of remote sensing a remaining battery capacity is provided. The method includes charging or discharging a capacitor of an RC circuit to a predetermined threshold voltage using a power source. A response signal is provided from a communications module to a handheld computing device comprising a reader system once the capacitor reaches the predetermined threshold voltage. An amount of time taken for the capacitor to charge or discharge to the predetermined threshold voltage is determined using a processor. The processor determines remaining battery capacity information using the amount of time. In another embodiment, a remote charge indicator system operatively connected to a battery includes a communications module comprising an antenna that receives an interrogation signal from a reader system. A voltage sensing module comprises an RC circuit comprising a resistor and a capacitor. The voltage sensing module provides an output to the communications module when the capacitor charges to a predetermined threshold voltage using the battery. The voltage sensing module includes a switch that closes when the communications module receives the interrogation signal.

In another embodiment, a method of remote sensing remaining battery capacity of a battery is provided. The method includes charging or discharging a capacitor of an RC circuit operatively connected to the battery to a predetermined threshold voltage. A response signal is provided using a communications module on the battery to a handheld computing device comprising a reader system once the capacitor reaches the predetermined threshold voltage. A battery voltage is determined using an amount of time taken for the capacitor to charge or discharge to the predetermined threshold voltage using a processor. Remaining battery capacity information is determined using the battery voltage. The remaining battery capacity information is displayed using a display device of the handheld computing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the drawings enclosed herewith.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a remote sensing system including a battery and a handheld computing device for remotely sensing a remaining battery capacity;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the remote sensing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an RC circuit for use in a voltage sensing module;

FIG. 4 illustrates a relationship between a charging time of a capacitor C and the battery voltage of the RC circuit of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of remote sensing a remaining battery capacity;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of another embodiment of two RC circuits for use in a voltage sensing module;

FIG. 7 illustrates a relationship between charging times of three different capacitors C and the battery voltage for RC circuits having different time constants;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of another embodiment of a method of remote sensing a remaining battery capacity;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary handheld computing device displaying remaining battery capacity information; and

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic detail view of the battery of FIG. 1.

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not intended to be limiting of the invention defined by the claims. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and invention will be more fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous different embodiments. The description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible, and it will be understood that any feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, in whole or part, any other feature, characteristic, component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this specification using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘_(——————)’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). No term is intended to be essential unless so stated. To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not to confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such a claim term be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph.

Embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for remote sensing of remaining battery capacity using on-battery circuitry. The systems and methods utilize on-battery circuitry that provides a signal indicative of remaining battery capacity to a handheld computing device remote from the battery. As used herein, the term “indicative of remaining battery capacity” can mean any signal or measured value such as a battery voltage that can be used to estimate battery capacity. The handheld computing device can receive the signal and use the signal to provide remaining battery capacity information to a user, for example, using a display. The remaining battery capacity information may be an actual voltage measurement and/or a charge amount (e.g., based on a voltage measurement or calculation).

Referring to FIG. 1, a remote sensing system 10 includes a handheld computing device 12 comprising a reader system 15 capable of communicating remotely with a remote charge indicator system 14 that is carried by and operatively connected to a power source, such as a battery 16. The handheld computing device 12 can use the reader system 15 to excite the remote charge indicator system 14 by transmitting an interrogation signal 17, such as a radio frequency (RF) pulse. As will be described below, the handheld computing device 12 remotely determines a time period to charge (or discharge) a capacitor of a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit to a predetermined voltage. The RC circuit is part of the remote charge indicator system 14 and is located on the battery 16. The time period can be used by the handheld computing device 12 to determine charge information indicative of remaining battery capacity, which can be displayed on a display device 18 and viewed by a user.

The reader system 15 may be part of any suitable handheld computing device 12 such as a cellular phone or other computing device. The display device 18 may be any suitable display device used in a portable, handheld electronic device, such as, for example, LCD display devices, LED display devices, OLED display devices, and other types of display devices which may be heretofore developed. Further, display device 18 may be any other variety of indicators, including, but not limited to a series of lights and/or other types of light devices as opposed to a single integrated display screen. The display device 18 may include an electronic paper component such as an electrophoretic display, which may be an information display that forms visible images by rearranging charged pigment particles using an electric field. The display device 18 may be used for electronically displaying graphics, text, and other elements to a user. In some embodiments, the display device 18 may be a touch-screen user interface that is used with the tip of a finger of the user and/or a stylus or other touching device to select elements from the screen, to draw figures, and to enter text with a character recognition program running on the device. In some embodiments, the device may also include other types of output devices such as for example, sound devices, vibration devices, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically the remote sensing system 10 including the handheld computing device 12 and the remote charge indicator system 14. The handheld computing device 12 may include a processor 20, memory 22, communications module 24 including an antenna 26 as part of the reader system 15, a user interface 28 and the display device 18. In some embodiments, the handheld computing device 12 may include additional communications modules for communicating with other computers and networks. The processor 20 may run software, such as reader applications saved in the memory 22 that allow the user to control operation of the communications module 24 (e.g., send a user-initiated RF interrogation signal) and other features of the handheld computing device. Logic may also be included that allows the processor to determine the remaining battery capacity information and display the information using the display device 18.

The remote charge indicator system 14 may be located on the battery 16 and includes a communications module 30 including an antenna 32 (e.g., an RFID tag) and a voltage sensing module 34 operatively connected to the battery 16. The communications module 30 may include any suitable communications circuitry such as RFID and near field communication (NFC) circuitry and may utilize any suitable frequency bands such as high frequency (HF) 13.56 MHz, ultra-high frequency (UHF) (860-956 MHz) or microwave frequency (2.4-5.8 GHz). Other communications may be used, such as infrared (IR) and ultrasound. The communications module 30 may be powered by the battery 16 (active), may be only partially powered by the battery 16 (semi-active or battery assisted passive) or may not be powered by the battery 16 (passive). The voltage sensing module 34 can be configured to provide an output signal that is proportional to battery voltage, rather than outputting the battery voltage itself. Referring to FIG. 3, a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit 40 including a resistor R and a capacitor C may be used as part of the voltage sensing module 34 to provide an output signal (capacitor voltage) that is proportional to the battery voltage. A switch 42 (e.g., a transistor) may be used to control charging of the capacitor C. FIG. 3 illustrates the exemplary RC circuit 40 where the charging voltage of the capacitor C is given by:

$V_{c} = {V_{s}\left( {1 - e^{\frac{t}{RC}}} \right)}$

where:

-   -   V_(c) is the capacitor voltage;     -   V_(s) is the battery voltage;     -   R is the resistance of the resistor; and     -   C is the capacitance of the capacitor.

The time for the capacitor voltage to reach a pre-determined threshold voltage V_(thr) is given by:

$t = {{- {RC}}\mspace{11mu}{{\ln\left( {1 - \frac{V_{thr}}{V_{s}}} \right)}.}}$

Thus, knowing the time t, threshold voltage V_(thr), resistance R and capacitance C, the battery voltage V_(s) can be calculated. This calculated battery voltage can be correlated to the remaining battery capacity (i.e., battery charge). Referring to FIG. 4, the relation between the charging time of the capacitor C and the battery voltage V_(s) is exponential. A threshold capacitor voltage V_(thr) can be chosen to be in the quasi-linear region R of the capacitor charging voltage curve (e.g., within less than about ⅖ or 40 percent of battery voltage V_(s)), which can facilitate the determination of the remaining battery capacity information. In some embodiments, the processor 20 may have access to tables saved in memory 22 that can be used to convert the time to a battery voltage V_(s) for determining the remaining battery capacity information.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a method 50 of remote sensing remaining battery capacity is illustrated. At step 52, a user selects a battery scanning application on their handheld computing device 12, such as a cellular phone or tablet computer. At step 54, the user places the handheld computing device 12 in close proximity to the battery 16 (e.g., within about a foot or less, such as within about 6 inches or less, such as within about an inch or less, such as touching the battery 16). The distance the handheld computing device 12 is to be placed from the battery 16 and the remote charge indicator system 12 can depend, at least in part, on the communications circuitry used. A battery scanning operation is initiated at step 56 using the user interface 28 (FIG. 2). Alternatively, a battery scanning operation may be initiated automatically (e.g., using a periodic scanning setting). At step 58, the communications module 24 of the reader system 15, in response to the user input or automatically sensing battery presence, can interrogate the communications module 30 of the remote charge indicator system 14. At step 60, the switch 42 of the RC circuit 40 (FIG. 3) is closed and the battery charges the capacitor C. At step 62, a comparator 64 (FIG. 3) compares the increasing voltage of the capacitor C to the predetermined threshold voltage. When the capacitor voltage reaches the predetermined threshold voltage, the comparator 64 sends a signal 65 to the communications module 30 of the remote charge indicator system 14 at step 66. At step 68, the communications module 30 of the remote charge indicator system 14 may send a response signal (e.g., an RF response signal) to the communications module 24 of the handheld computing device 12. At step 70, the processor 20 determines a time period between the time the communications module 30 is interrogated at step 58 and the time the response signal is received at step 68. The time period is used to determine the remaining battery capacity and the remaining battery capacity information at step 72. In some embodiments, the remaining battery capacity information may be displayed on the display device 18 at step 74. The remaining battery capacity information can provide an indication to the user of the battery capacity remaining. In some embodiments, the remaining battery capacity information may include the battery voltage and/or the device remaining runtime in different modes.

While the above embodiments utilize time from interrogation to receipt of the response signal to determine battery voltage and provide the remaining battery capacity information, other configurations are possible. As another example, the difference in charging time of multiple RC circuits with different time constants may be used. Referring to FIG. 6, a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit 100 including resistor R₁ and capacitor C₁ as part of a first RC circuit portion 103 and resistor R₂ and capacitor C₂ as part of a second RC circuit portion 105 may be used as part of the voltage sensing module 34 to provide an output signal (capacitor voltage) that is proportional to the battery voltage. A switch 102 (e.g., a transistor) may be used to control charging of the capacitors C₁ and C₂. FIG. 6 illustrates the exemplary RC circuit 100 where the difference in the charging time of the two capacitors C₁ and C₂ with different time constants from the same battery voltage to charge to the same threshold voltage given by:

${t_{1} - t_{2}} = {{- \left( {{R_{1}C_{1}} - {R_{2}C_{2}}} \right)}\;{{\ln\left( {1 - \frac{V_{thr}}{V_{s}}} \right)}.}}$

Thus, knowing the times t₁, t₂, resistances R₁, R₂, threshold voltage V_(thr) and capacitances C₁, C₂, the battery voltage V_(s) can be calculated. This calculated battery voltage can be correlated to the remaining battery capacity. Referring to FIG. 7, capacitor voltage curves are illustrated for three capacitors each being part of RC circuits having different time constants τ. The relation between the charging time of the capacitors C₁ and C₂ (and C₃) and the battery voltage V_(s) is exponential. Measuring the time difference between two response signals can eliminate the need to utilize the time of interrogation.

Referring to FIG. 8, another method 110 of remote sensing remaining battery capacity is illustrated. At step 112, a user selects a battery scanning application on their handheld computing device 12, such as a cellular phone or tablet computer. At step 114, the user places the handheld computing device 12 in close proximity to the battery 16. A battery scanning operation is initiated at step 116 using the user interface 28 (FIG. 2) or automatically by periodic scanning. Alternatively, a battery scanning operation may be initiated automatically. At step 118, the communications module 24 of the reader system 15, in response to the user input, can interrogate the communications module 30 of the remote charge indicator system 14. At step 120, the switch 102 of the RC circuit 100 (FIG. 6) is closed and the battery charges the capacitors C₁ and C₂. At step 122, a comparator 124 and 125 (FIG. 6) compares the increasing voltages of the capacitors C₁ and C₂ to the same predetermined threshold voltage. When the capacitor voltages reach the predetermined threshold voltage, the comparator 124 and 125 sends a first signal (associated with the capacitor C₁) and a second signal (associated with the capacitor C₂) to a logic module 127 at step 126, which can provide a pulse having a duration that corresponds to a time period between the first and second signals. At step 128, the communications module 30 of the remote charge indicator system 14 may send the pulse to the communications module 24 of the handheld computing device 12. At step 130, the processor 20 determines a time period of the pulse or between the first and second response signals. The time period is used to determine remaining battery capacity information at step 134. In some embodiments, the remaining battery capacity information may be displayed on the display device 18 at step 136. The remaining battery capacity information can provide an indication to the user of the battery capacity remaining. In some embodiments, the remaining battery capacity information may include the battery voltage.

Referring to FIG. 9, the handheld computing device 12 is illustrated showing the display device 18. The remaining battery capacity information 140 may be displayed to the user in the form of graphic indicia 142. The graphic indicia 142 may be an image of a battery level indicator that includes charge level bars 144 a, 144 b and 144 c that are used to indicate the battery capacity remaining. As one example, for a 1.5V AA size alkaline battery, a calculated voltage of above a first predetermined voltage (e.g., about 1.45V) may result in the processor 20 displaying about a full battery capacity of all three charge level bars 144 a, 144 b and 144 c. For a calculated voltage of between the first predetermined voltage and a second predetermined lower voltage (e.g., between about 1.35V and about 1.45V), the processor 20 may display only two of the charge level bars 144 b and 144 c indicating a charge level below a certain percentage. In instances where the processor calculates a battery voltage of between the second predetermined voltage and a third predetermined lower voltage (e.g., between about 1.25V and about 1.35V), only one charge level bar 144 c may be displayed. As another example, for a 1.5V AA size nickel-metal hydride battery, a calculated voltage of above a first predetermined voltage (e.g., about 1.35V) may result in the processor 20 displaying about a full battery capacity of all three charge level bars 144 a, 144 b and 144 c. For a calculated voltage of between the first predetermined voltage and a second predetermined lower voltage (e.g., between about 1.25V and about 1.35V), the processor 20 may display only two of the charge level bars 144 b and 144 c indicating a charge level below a certain percentage. In instances where the processor calculates a battery voltage of between the second predetermined voltage and a third predetermined lower voltage (e.g., between about 1.2V and about 1.25V), only one charge level bar 144 c may be displayed. Should the processor 20 calculate a battery voltage less than the third predetermined voltage, none of the charge level bars may be displayed. Any suitable display arrangement can be utilized including more or less than three charge level bars. The graphic indicia 142 may also change colors, depending on the calculated charge level. The remaining battery capacity information 140 being displayed may include a numerical voltage value 146.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the battery 16 is illustrated and includes a label layer 150 and a battery housing 152 about which the label layer 150 is applied. The remote charger indicator system 14 including the communications module 30, the antenna 32 and the voltage sensing module 30 are located between the label layer 150 and the battery housing 152. In some embodiments, the communications module 30 (e.g., an RFID tag), antenna 32 and the voltage sensing module 34 (the RC circuit) may all be part of an integrated circuit (IC). In some embodiments, the label layer 150, itself, may include a silicon IC. A thin (e.g., less than about 200 micrometers) magnetic diverter 156 formed of ferrite materials can be placed between the antenna 32 and the battery housing 152 to inhibit interference with the antenna 32. Any suitable battery may be used, such as alkaline, nickel-metal hydride, lithium, etc. The battery may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable.

In some embodiments, the communications module 30 may include memory that stores unique identification information. The identification information may be provided to the handheld computing device 12 when the communications module 30 sends the response signal. The handheld computing device 12 may use the identification information to distinguish between multiple batteries being tested simultaneously. For example, in one embodiment, a series of batteries may be tested and the remaining battery capacity information for the lowest voltage battery (i.e., the weakest link) may be displayed. As another embodiment, a device using the batteries may include a voltage sensing module, which can be used to determine a total remaining battery capacity for all batteries in the device. The voltage sensing module may be located, for example, in a battery compartment and connected to a device power input. The remaining battery capacity information may not only include remaining battery capacity, but may also include usage information, such as remaining photos, play time, talk time, etc.

The above-described remote sensing systems provide an electronic circuit on a battery for remote sensing of battery voltage and determining remaining battery capacity information. The remote sensing systems utilize a distributed analog to digital conversion where the processor used for calculating the battery voltage and determining the remaining battery capacity information is located in the handheld computing device, and not on the battery, leaving a minimum of components on the battery. While battery testing is described primarily above, the testing systems can be applied to any type of remote sensing systems where a voltage measurement is required and is not limited to battery monitoring. The remote sensing systems can be applied to any of disposable or rechargeable cells of any size (e.g., AAAA, AAA, AA, C, D, 9V) and to special sizes for specific applications (e.g., coin, button, prismatic). The remote sensing systems can be applied to prismatic or round rechargeable Lithium Ion cells in cases where a device does not include a fuel gauge or the device has replaceable batteries to that the status of a replacement battery can be determined remotely. The remote sensing systems can be applied to any portable or battery powered device, monitoring total battery voltage in the device rather than individual cell voltages. The above remote charge indicator systems can also operate by discharging the capacitors. For example, the capacitors can always be placed in parallel with the battery and equalized with the battery voltage. Upon interrogating the communications module, the capacitor may be disconnected from the battery and discharge through the resistor down to a predetermined threshold voltage. That time difference is a function of battery voltage and can be used to calculate the battery voltage and remaining battery capacity.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications. 

What is claimed:
 1. A method of remote sensing a remaining battery capacity, comprising: receiving, at a communications module of a remote charge indicator system and from a reader system of a handheld computing device, an interrogation signal; responsive to receiving the interrogation signal, closing a switch, wherein closing the switch causes a battery to charge or discharge (i) a first capacitor of a first RC circuit portion and (ii) a second capacitor of a second RC circuit portion; receiving, at the communications module, a first indication in response to the voltage of the first capacitor reaching a predetermined voltage threshold; transmitting, to the reader system, the first indication at a first time; receiving, at the communications module, a second indication in response to the voltage of the second capacitor reaching the predetermined voltage threshold; and transmitting, to the reader system, the second indication at a second time, wherein the difference between the first time and the second time corresponds to the remaining battery capacity of the battery.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first capacitor has a first time constant and the second capacitor has a second time constant different than the first time constant.
 3. A remote charge indicator system operatively connected to a battery, the remote charge indicator system comprising: a communications module comprising an antenna that receives an interrogation signal from a reader system; and a voltage sensing module comprising a switch that closes when the communications module receives the interrogation signal, a first RC circuit portion having a first time constant comprising a first resistor and a first capacitor, and a second RC circuit portion having a second time constant comprising a second resistor and a second capacitor, wherein the first time constant is different than the second time constant, wherein the voltage sensing module provides a pulse as an output signal to the communications module, wherein the pulse begins when the first capacitor is charged or discharged to a predetermined threshold voltage using the battery and ends when the second capacitor is charged or discharged to the predetermined threshold voltage using the battery, and wherein the duration of the pulse corresponds to the voltage of the battery and the remaining battery capacity of the battery.
 4. The remote charge indicator system of claim 3, wherein the communications module comprises an RFID tag.
 5. The remote charge indicator system of claim 3, wherein the voltage sensing module comprises a first comparator that begins the pulses when the first capacitor charges or discharges to the predetermined threshold voltage, and wherein the voltage sensing module comprises a second comparator that ends the pulse when the second capacitor charges or discharges to the predetermined threshold voltage.
 6. A method of remote sensing a remaining battery capacity, comprising: receiving, at a communications module of a remote charge indicator system and from a reader system of a handheld computing device, an interrogation signal; responsive to receiving the interrogation signal, closing a switch, wherein closing the switch causes a battery to charge or discharge (i) a first capacitor of a first RC circuit portion and (ii) a second capacitor of a second RC circuit portion; receiving, at the communications module, a pulse having a duration that corresponds to a time difference between when the first capacitor reaches a predetermined threshold voltage and when the second capacitor reaches the predetermined threshold; and transmitting, to the reader system, the pulse, wherein the duration of the pulse corresponds to the remaining battery capacity of the battery.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first capacitor has a first time constant and the second capacitor has a second time constant different than the first time constant. 